Who can be an Observer?
All members are welcome! This is a great opportunity for members new to the League, new to the DFW metroplex, or just looking for a re-occurring activity. It is important to keep in mind, that generally, observers will not provide commentary or testimony on issues on behalf of the League during these meetings.
What do Observers monitor at government meetings?
Ideally, observers are monitoring both the issues being discussed as well as the process by which they are being discussed. While not every item up for discussion will relate to a League’s priorities, ensuring that meetings are conducted in an open manner is critical to all of the League’s efforts and vital to the health of our democracy.
Observers should consider League principles and League position statements when determining which community issues might be of interest to our local League. Local policy positions are published annually in the
LWV of Dallas Handbook. A summary of state and national League positions is available in our local League’s handbook, but complete position statements can be found in
In addition to monitoring the content discussed in meetings, we are interested in the decision-making process. Was it easy to find the meeting? Did the governmental body actually have a quorum? Did it seem like decisions were made in a cut-and-dry manner? Understanding Texas Open Meetings Act requirements will help observers learn the process. The office of the Texas Attorney General provides a downloadable handbook and a training video on the Open Meetings Act here:
https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government/governmental-bodies/pia-and-oma-training-resources/open-meetings-act-training
Additionally, these Texas Open Meetings Act training slides from the nonpartisan open-government 501c(3) Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas is helpful.
How long is this opportunity?
While there isn’t a hard and fast service term, for our League to be effective it helps to consistently attend meetings over an extended period of time.
How do I sign-up for Observer Corps Volunteer Opportunities?
If you are interested in being a League observer, members can sign-up for specific council or commissioner court meetings on our website. Members must first log in to their Membership Account and select “Volunteer” to sign up for Observer slots. Or go to
volunteer.
What happens after I sign-up?
Observe the meetings you selected and submit a brief report! The
Observer Corps Checklist will help guide your actions before, during, and after you attend meetings. It’s always best to observe meetings in person, but it’s possible to join council and commissioner's court meetings virtually.
After you observe your meeting, please submit the
Observer Corps Report Form via email to
advocacyvp@lwvdallas.org. Reports will be accessible to the public on the League’s website.